CHRIS WADDLE feels Newcastle United go into this Sunday’s high-noon showdown with Sunderland with the “upper hand” when it comes to North East bragging rights.

But the former England star believes that victory for the Wearsiders could result in Mackems calling for a statue to be built of Martin O’Neill.

Waddle has pulled on the iconic shirts of both sides in this fixture and reckons the stakes have hardly been higher in a Premier League game between the two sides, with Sunderland and United in with a shout of impressive finishes in the top flight.

The Magpies are in with a chance of their highest Premier League finish since 2004 when they earned a UEFA Cup spot, while Sunderland are six points behind their best-ever finish of seventh place, a feat only achieved twice in the history of the Prem for the Wearsiders.

O’Neill’s troops go into the game 10 points behind Alan Pardew’s side, but Waddle feels the spectacle can only be a good thing for the region.

He told the Chronicle: “It’s not only great for the North East, it’s great for football.

“It’s an area where there are two big rivals.

“Let’s be honest, there’s no love lost between the two teams.

“Newcastle have had most of the bragging rights in recent times and I’m sure there will be a lot of banter going either way.

“Newcastle have had the upper hand. But since Martin O’Neill took over Sunderland have turned it round.”

Waddle believes that when it comes to derby ding-dongs, the two rivals have a league of their own.

However, the ESPN commentator says it’s hard to ignore the O’Neill factor at Sunderland.

The ex-Newcastle and Sunderland star said: “It’s two teams that have shown good form this season.

“Sunderland’s goal will still be to finish higher than Newcastle.

“They have to keep winning to get the gap closer.

“It will be an unbelievable atmosphere. Both teams are bidding to surge up the league.

“But Martin O’Neill will be looking to get a win over Newcastle in his first season.

“What a result that would be for him.

“The way he has turned it round, God knows what the reaction would be if he won at St James’ Park – they would probably build a statue of him!”

Newcastle go into the game having picked up just one point from six.

But Waddle thinks the foundations are already in place for what could be a season to remember.

Don’t forget the last time United had a chance to finish in the top four was back in the days of Waddle’s old England boss Bobby Robson.

And the link between the legendary managerial figure is still alive on Tyneside.

Waddle said: “There’s the people in the background that know the club like John Carver and Steve Stone, John obviously worked under Bobby.

“It’s important that these people are there. They do a great job for the manager.

“All of them are focused one what Newcastle are trying to achieve.

“This season Newcastle have got on with the task.

“They are getting big results but nobody is shocked anymore.”

Waddle feels, though, that Sunderland are in the best mental state ahead of a derby for a number of seasons.

The Black Cats have not won a derby on Tyneside for 12 years and Waddle has noted a big difference to teams of the past.

He said: “I’ve watched Sunderland a few times and I’ve been impressed with them under Martin.

“It’s the mental side of it more than anything, they seemed to have toughened up.

“They seem very strong mentally.

“They also have the same work ethic which you associate with Martin O’Neill’s teams.

“They work really hard for each other and he’s got them firing.

“It is all set up for a great game.”

:: CHRIS WADDLE will be commentating on the game as an ESPN pundit this Sunday afternoon from noon.